USA-Slovenia (yes, I know this game was two weeks ago)

Gooch lines up for a throw-in about 50 feet from where we are sitting


Nothing more American than Evel Knievel


In a word: Consternation


Since it's been a week and a half since my last post, and since I'm now back in the USA, I figured now is as good a time as any to update everyone about my trip. I attribute this lag to a combination of laziness and a lack of a computer. I apologize if I have let any of you down, but typing on the cell phone was incredibly tedious and painful for my thumbs. In any case, I'll do a bunch of short entries highlighting the rest of the trip:
USA-Slovenia was a roller coaster of emotions, to say the least. We had awesome seats at Ellis Park, and the crowd was amazing- very pro-US. There were a number of awesome outfits (countless USA flags, a guy with a top hat made out of PBR cans, and a guy in a full Captain America suit to name a few). However, with the early goals conceded and the general impotence of the US' attack, the 2-0 halftime scoreline effectively killed the good vibe. I went to the bathroom right behind our section with a number of US fans, and the buzz was completely gone; as we were filing in and out of the bathroom, we'd make eye contact and just shake our heads. All seemed lost, another disastrous group stage exit inevitable.
Needless to say, everyone came alive after Donovan's stellar goal to start the half. The entire section went crazy, and everyone was incredibly loud for the rest of the game. After Bradley's equalizer, a win seemed likely. When Edu popped in what appeared to be the third goal, our entire section lost it. Bottles flew, strangers hugged, and I scraped my shin on the seat in front of me from jumping up and down. When the goal was called back, a riot nearly broke out. I won't repeat what was said, but I'll just say the general consensus was that the referee was likely a member of Al Qaeda.
In spite of the draw, are spirits were buoyed by the comeback and we were very excited to attend the all-important game against Algeria a few days later. First, though, was a quick three and a half day trip to Cape Town.